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Author Spotlight: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Asymptomatic Esophageal Eosinophilia in an 11-Year-Old with Severe Persistent Asthma
Casey E Hofstaedter1, Runa Watkins2, Nidhi Kotwal3
1Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
Abstract:
Asymptomatic esophageal eosinophilia (aEE) is a rare presentation, where patients have increased eosinophils in esophageal mucosa but lack any esophagus-related symptoms. Cases of aEE have only been documented in adults, and little is known about its clinical significance and whether treatment is warranted. We report a case of an 11-year-old patient with uncontrolled severe persistent asthma who underwent flexible bronchoscopy and upper endoscopy as a part of complete aerodigestive evaluation. Elevated intraepithelial eosinophils in the esophageal mucosa were noted, suggesting an aEE-like presentation. This case documents a pediatric patient with aEE and highlights the importance of combined aerodigestive assessment with pulmonology and gastroenterology teams for the evaluation of severe asthma.
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